Environmental Health Complaints and the Ombudsman in Worthing
Quick answer: To report unsafe or unhealthy housing conditions in Worthing - such as damp, mould, vermin, broken heating or poor sanitation - contact the environmental health team at your local council. You can find the right council and its reporting route through GOV.UK: find your local council. Environmental health officers can inspect your home under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and, where a serious (Category 1) hazard is found, require your landlord to put it right under the Housing Act 2004.
Tenants and landlords in Worthing are covered by the same statutory framework as the rest of England, with key laws such as the Housing Act 2004 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990 applying to all local authorities. This guide focuses on environmental health complaints and the new Renters' Rights Act 2025, which introduces significant changes for private renters in Worthing. Understanding these legal protections is important today because many tenants face issues like damp, mould, and other hazards that affect their quality of life.
What the Law Says
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 established the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) under Part 1 of the Housing Act 2004. The HHSRS assesses housing conditions to identify risks to tenants' health and safety, categorising these risks into two levels: Category 1 (the most serious hazards) and Category 2 (less severe). Landlords are legally required to address any issues that fall under Category 1 hazards.
How the Renters' Rights Act 2025 Changes This
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduced the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman, providing a more accessible avenue for resolving disputes between tenants and landlords. This ombudsman can help mediate issues related to repairs, disrepair, and other environmental health complaints. Tenants now have additional recourse if their landlord fails to comply with HHSRS requirements.
What This Means for Tenants in Worthing
Tenants in Worthing may be dealing with Category 1 hazards like dampness, mould growth, or inadequate heating. The first step is to report these issues to the council's environmental health team. They can assess your home and issue an improvement notice if necessary. Compelling the landlord to make repairs within a specified timeframe.
Your Next Steps If You Need Help in Worthing
If you need assistance with an environmental health complaint, start by contacting your local council's housing team. Gather evidence of any hazards, such as photographs or notes from medical professionals if relevant. Free advice services like Citizens Advice and Shelter can also provide support. The Worthing council's housing team offers guidance on what steps to take next.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Reporting Hazards Promptly: Delaying the report of a Category 1 hazard may prolong your exposure to health risks.
- Ignoring Improvement Notices: Once an improvement notice is issued, it's important to follow through with any required repairs or improvements.
- Failing to Document Issues: Without evidence, proving environmental hazards can be challenging during disputes with landlords.
When to Get Professional Advice
Consider speaking to a regulated solicitor if your case involves complex legal issues or significant financial claims. However, for less serious matters, free services like Citizens Advice and Shelter are typically sufficient. To find a suitable lawyer, check with the Law Society or ask local recommendations from friends or family.
Remember, while this guidance aims to provide useful information, it doesn't guarantee specific outcomes. Always check directly with Worthing council for any updated policies or guidelines that may affect your situation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I report poor housing conditions to Environmental Health in Worthing?
Contact Worthing Borough Council's Environmental Health department. Provide details of any structural issues, damp, mould, or infestations affecting your health. They may inspect under the Housing Act 2004 s.213 and issue improvement notices if necessary.
What does the Worthing Ombudsman do for tenants?
The Worthing Ombudsman investigates complaints against local government services, including housing departments. If you feel your complaint about poor conditions was not handled properly by Environmental Health, they may review it and suggest remedies or compensation.
Can I get help from the Ombudsman if my landlord doesn't fix repairs?
The Worthing Ombudsman can look into complaints against landlords who fail to maintain properties. However, they typically do not enforce action directly; instead, they may advise tenants on next steps or highlight issues with local authorities.
Is there a limit on how long it takes Environmental Health in Worthing to respond?
There is no specific time limit for response from Environmental Health, but they aim to resolve complaints promptly. If you feel the process is taking too long and your health is at risk, consider seeking legal advice or contacting another relevant authority.
